Pipe thawing — Montreal, Laval & the Laurentians
No running water from the tap during a deep freeze? Every passing hour increases the risk of a rupture. Drain MPR intervenes quickly using a safe hot-water jet technique — risk-free for your pipes, both residential and commercial.
A FROZEN PIPE CAN BURST IN JUST A FEW HOURS
Freezing is not merely an inconvenience — it is a structural risk. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands by about 9% and exerts tremendous pressure on the walls. When this pressure exceeds the resistance of the material—PVC, copper, cast iron, or concrete—the pipe gives way. A half-inch pipe that bursts can discharge more than 500 liters of water per hour. Acting at the very first signs keeps the situation under control.
Signs that your pipes are forzen
These symptoms typically appear during prolonged deep freezes (-15 °C and below) or after an exceptionally cold night.
TOTAL ABSENCE OF WATER
You open a tap and nothing comes out — or just a barely perceptible trickle. This is the most direct sign of a frozen pipe upstream.
ABNORMALLY LOW FLOW
Water flows, but much weaker than usual: a sign of partial freezing reducing the inner diameter of the pipe.
NOISES IN THE WALLS
Unusual cracking sounds in partitions or floors during deep freezes can indicate ice expansion within the pipes.
PROLONGED EXTREME COLD
After several days below -15 °C, especially if the house has been unoccupied or heating reduced, a preventive check is recommended.
UNUSUAL PRESSURE OR COLOR
If water returns after an absence with pressure fluctuations or an unusual tint, the pipe may have suffered initial cracking.
VISIBLE FROST OR ICE
Ice on an exposed pipe (unheated basement, garage, crawl space) indicates active freezing that must be treated immediately.
HIGH-PRESSURE HOT WATER JET — THE SAFE METHOD
Hairdryers, blowtorches, heating cables, steam: most DIY methods carry risks or remain ineffective on deep pipes. Drain MPR exclusively uses a high-pressure hot water jet injected directly into the pipe. The hot water melts the ice from the inside, progressively and uniformly, without thermal shock or brutal pressure on the walls.
THAWING FROM THE INSIDE
Hot water melts the ice from the source of the blockage, progressing uniformly — no sudden thermal shock.
NO RISK OF BREAKAGE
Unlike external heat (torch, resistance), hot water does not create differential expansion that weakens joints and fittings.
DEEP-REACH EFFECTIVENESS:
The flexible cable reaches ice obstructions several meters underground — inaccessible by any surface method.
VERIFICATION INCLUDED
After thawing, we test full drainage and inspect the pipe for any pre-existing weakness.
Which pipes freeze first
Not all pipes freeze at the same rate. Here are the most exposed zones in properties across Montreal, Laval and the Laurentians.
WATER SERVICE LINE
The connection between the municipal network and the house. Shallow or poorly insulated, it can freeze during harsh winters.
UNHEATED BASEMENT
Pipes running along the exterior walls of a poorly heated basement are among the most exposed to prolonged frost.
PIPES IN THE GARAGE
An uninsulated attached garage can reach very temperatures — any pipe passing through is at high risk.
OUTDOOR PIPES
Exterior taps and irrigation lines not drained in autumn almost systematically freeze at the first deep frost.
POORLY INSULATED ZONES
Pipes running along poorly sealed windows, soffits, or thermal bridges are particularly vulnerable.
HOW TO PREVENT FREEZING NEXT WINTER
- 1
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap tubular foam insulation around pipes running along exterior walls or passing through unheated spaces. Minimal cost, maximum effectiveness.
- 2
Keep Heating at 15 °C Minimum
Even when absent, never drop below 15 °C — the critical limit for most residential pipes. A programmable thermostat regulates this simply.
- 3
Drain Outdoor Pipes in Autumn
Disconnect and drain garden hoses and outdoor taps before the first frosts. Close the interior shut-off valve and open the exterior one to clear residual water.
- 4
Let a Trickle of Water Run
At very low temperatures (-20 °C and below), a thin trickle of cold water from the most exposed taps maintains movement that prevents ice from setting.
- 5
Seal Cold Zones
Caulk spaces around basement windows, cracked soffits, and cable entries where cold air infiltrates near pipes.
Our thawing process
From your initial call to getting everything fully back up and running, here is how Drain MPR handles your winter emergency.
Call & Evaluation
You describe the situation. We evaluate the probable location of the freeze and dispatch a technician as a priority based on your sector.
Locating the Freeze
The technician identifies the frozen section — water main, sewer, or connection — and determines the best access point for intervention.
Hot Water Jet
The flexible cable is inserted up to the obstruction. Hot water under pressure progressively melts the ice from the inside.
Test & Prevention
We test full flow, check pipe integrity, and provide recommendations to prevent recurrence.
Throughout Montreal, Laval & the Laurentians
Locally based, Drain MPR intervenes quickly in the following municipalities:
FAQ — Pipe Thawing
How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
Can you thaw your own pipes?
What technique does Drain MPR use?
Can a frozen pipe burst?
How to prevent pipes from freezing in winter?
Does my insurance cover damage from a burst pipe?
Additional services
A pipe that has yielded after freezing often requires additional work. Drain MPR takes care of the rest.
FROZEN PIPES? WE INTERVENE BEFORE THE RUPTURE.
Every hour of freezing increases the risk. Our team intervenes quickly in Montreal, Laval, and the Laurentians. Free quote, or call directly.
